Clutter is usually a side effect of not having enough storage. Often, more storage isn’t the solution — simplifying and decluttering your kitchen is. Go through your cabinets and drawers (especially the back) and donate or toss anything that you haven’t used for a while. Ask yourself if you really need a cherry-pitting tool or an egg slicer. Once you’ve cleared the cabinets, clear the counters by storing the items that cause visual clutter.

But the downside is, unless you have room for an island, you are likely to face a wall (and face away from your guests) while preparing and cooking food. Whether this is an issue comes down to personal preference, so consider whether this will bother you, and whether a different layout might better suit your needs.